What is Fatsia japonica?

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Fatsia japonica is an evergreen shrub with white flowers and lobed, leathery palm-shaped leaves that stretch up to 16 inches, according to Great Plant Picks and the Royal Horticultural Society. When fully mature, it grows up to 15 feet tall, according to the Clemson University Home and Garden Information Center.

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Fatsia japonica originated in Japan. Its other names are Japanese aralia or Japanese fatsia. In ideal conditions, its growth rate is 8 to 12 inches per year, according to the Clemson University Home and Garden Information Center. It flourishes in shady conditions and moist soils. In crowded environments, Fatsia japonica grows up straight. It is ornamental. Indoors, it can be grown as a houseplant in large containers, but pruning is necessary as the plant grows.

The most effective way to propagate Fatsia japonica is through seed, after the fleshy black fruit wall is removed. The seeds germinate in two to four weeks. Fatsia japonica can also be propagated from cuttings, though the cultivars require treatment with a rooting hormone. The only pests to protect Fatsia japonica from are scale, aphids, mealy-bugs and spider mites, which are controlled by horticultural oil sprays, according to the Clemson University Home and Garden Information Center.